"You are . . . a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9This verse is both a comfort and a challenge. It reminds every genuine Christian of their identity in Christ and the purpose for which they were redeemed.First, Peter declares that believers are a chosen people. Our election is not based on our merit, works, or foreseen faith--but solely on God's sovereign grace! (Ephesians 1:4–5). This humbles us, for we were not chosen because of anything in us--but in spite of our unworthiness. God's love is set upon His people from eternity past, and this should fill us with deep assurance and joy. If God has chosen us, He will surely keep us (John 10:28–29).Next, Peter states that Christians are a royal priesthood. Under the Old Covenant, priests were set apart to intercede before God. Now, in Christ, all believers are priests--we have direct access to God through our Mediator, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16). But with this privilege comes responsibility. As priests, we are called to offer up spiritual sacrifices--our lives, our praise, and our obedience (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15). We do not live for ourselves, but for the glory of our King.We are also a holy nation.Holiness is not optional for God's people. To be holy means to be set apart from sin, and set apart unto God. In justification, He has made us holy in Christ. In sanctification, He is making us holy in our daily lives. This verse challenges us--do we live as citizens of heaven, or are we entangled in the world's ways? (Philippians 3:20; 1 John 2:15-17)